There’s a fine line to be drawn when assessing this year’s elimination final loss to North Melbourne, according to Richmond stars Alex Rance and Brett Deledio.

The pair, named in the 2015 All-Australian team, which was announced last night, along with teammate Jack Riewoldt, believes it’s important to reflect on what went wrong, and learn from the disappointing defeat, without being consumed by negativity.

“You always think about critical contests that you wish you had have done better . . . There were a number of critical contests I wish I could have impacted better,” Rance said on Fox Footy’s ‘AFL 360’ program.

“I guess the progression of good sides is making the right decisions at the right times, and those critical elements.  And, we’re on the way . . .”

Deledio declared he would use the 2015 elimination final loss as extra incentive for next season.

“We’ve certainly done our review and covered it off, I think, but it still burns quite a bit,” Deledio said.

“When you see sides still playing footy, personally, it drives me to get better . . .

“We’re bitterly disappointed, but we’ve just got to get better.

“It’s always in the back of your mind.  You’re always thinking about it come round to pre-season again.

“But, if you let it eat you up, I don’t think you’re ever going to go anywhere. 

“You’ve got to learn from it and then move on.”

Rance was adamant the defeat shouldn’t merely be confined to the record books.

“I don’t think it’s smart to ever let go, because then it sort of means that you’re not really learning from it,” Rance said. 

“You can’t let it drag you down, but you’ve got to use that as motivation for the next time you’re put in that same situation. 

“I know that from times in seasons past, we were put in stressful situations and we passed that test.  So, I’m sure we’ll be fine.”